The next time your fishing buddies are unable to join you, use these tips for a stress-free solo boat launch.
Don’t rush the boat launch
Many boat ramp mishaps happen because an important step gets overlooked or is done too fast and, as a result, incorrectly. To stay even-keeled and efficient at busy ramps, I’ve adopted a saying credited to the US Navy Seals: “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”
Not rushing, paying attention to the task at hand, and doing things properly the first time sets a strong foundation for executing a successful solo launch.
Have a routine and follow it
It can take some trial and error to learn the best launching procedure for you, but once you figure this out, stick to the same routine every time.
Whether you’re solo or not, being consistent each launch reinforces the procedure and lessens the chances of mistakes.
My routine starts with loading fishing equipment and other gear into the boat. Then prepping the interior (e.g., connecting sonars, stowing lunch in a compartment, etc).
Next, I work through my mental checklist to get the boat ready for the actual launching procedure. This includes putting in the boat plug, unhooking the trailer tie-downs, attaching boat fenders, connecting bow and stern lines and so on.
How I do it
I float my 18-foot aluminum Lund off the trailer and then retrieve it using a long bowline. I’ve done this for years with minimal hiccups. Here is the procedure and some pointers.
1. Secure the bowline to the boat’s front eyelet (a bow cleat can also be used), and tie the other end to the trailer winch frame. Don’t tie off to the winch arm as this can cause damage. Neatly loop excess rope and place it on the front deck or truck tonneau cover, ensuring the rope uncoils freely as the floating boat leaves the trailer.
2. Back the trailer down the ramp until the motor is over the water. Put the vehicle in park, engage the emergency brake, and unhook the safety chain and winch strap. Double-check bowline connection.
3. Slowly back the trailer into the water. If possible, put the vehicle in neutral and let gravity do the work. Go nice and easy. It’s easier to control a slow-moving boat with a bowline. Keep in mind, the faster the boat’s moving away from the vehicle, additional stress is placed on the bowline connections when the rope becomes tight.
4. Once the boat floats off the trailer, slowly pull the vehicle forward while keeping an eye on the bowline. Stop just before taking up all the slack, and allow the boat’s momentum pull tension into the bowline.
5. Inch the vehicle forward to get the boat moving towards shore and pull most of the trailer out of the water. Put the car in park, engage the emergency brake, and untie the bowline from the trailer winch frame.
6. Use the bowline to pull the boat towards a dock and tie it up. If there isn’t a dock, I gently beach the boat provided it’s a soft bottom, sand, or gravel, and tie the bowline to a tree or signpost before parking the vehicle. If new to solo launching, practice the method when heading out with a friend. Having backup, if needed, can take some of the pressure off and help you learn the best method for your boat and the type of the ramps you most often use.
More pointers
Bumpers are essential for preventing dock-rash when launching solo.
If possible, launch the boat upwind and let the breeze guide it towards the dock.
Having a remote-controlled MinnKota Talon on my boat makes solo launching easier. This shallow-water anchor lets you pin the boat’s stern, which means only one line off the bow is needed to secure the rig at a dock or when beaching the vessel.
Originally published in Ontario OUT of DOORS’ Fishing Annual 2024
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